there’s a beautiful expression that costa ricans use that’s as common as hello: pura vida. it literally means ‘pure life’. i experienced its meaning when i traveled there (guanacaste) back in july. thousands of miles from city lights and sales and wireless access, i remembered what it was to be moved by nature. trees. air. water. space.

so now, during this period of exuberant festive commerce – when i’m consumed by thoughts of what i need to buy buy buy – wordsworth’s worthy words creep into my mind.